On today’s episode, Variety’s Michael Schneider examines the questions swirling around HBO as the storied brand braces for Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Casey Bloys and Co. are waiting on word of how the premium TV pioneer will operate under Paramount Skydance, if the $110 billion acquisition is completed.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Michael Schneider examines<a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/what-happens-hbo-paramount-skydance-buys-warner-bros-1236675254/"> the questions swirling around HBO</a> as the storied brand braces for Paramount&rsquo;s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Casey Bloys and Co. are waiting on word of how the premium TV pioneer will operate under Paramount Skydance, if the $110 billion acquisition is completed.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.

Strictly Business

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Variety's Strictly Business

Daily Variety -- It’s HBO: What Will the Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Mean for TV’s Premium Pioneer?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/bbb95cb8-20d0-465e-95fa-b4020147ee19/transcript

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down the weekend that roared with the opening of Paramount’s “Scream 7.” And Reilly Steel, associate professor at Columbia Law School, discusses how the fight between Netflix and Paramount Skydance over Warner Bros. Discovery reflects the collision of troubling business, legal and political trends.

On today&rsquo;s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety&rsquo;s Rebecca Rubin breaks down <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/scream-7-box-office-franchise-record-opening-weekend-1236675830/">the weekend that roared with the opening of Paramount&rsquo;s &ldquo;Scream 7.&rdquo;</a> And Reilly Steel, associate professor at Columbia Law School, discusses how the fight between Netflix and Paramount Skydance over <a href="https://variety.com/t/warner-bros-discovery/">Warner Bros. Discovery</a> reflects the collision of troubling business, legal and political trends.

Daily Variety -- 'Scream 7' Turns Up the Box Office Volume; Business and Politics Collide in Warner Bros. Discovery Saga

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/98417d62-8700-4a20-9fea-b401013f13d4/transcript

On today’s episode, Bill O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Dolphin Entertainment, offers a deep dive into the art and science of the creator economy. The leader of the parent company of PR heavyweights 42West and Shore Fire Media explains how the heat among social media personalities is changing everything about marketing and advertising, and how it has bulldozed traditional barriers to launching consumer products.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Bill O&rsquo;Dowd, founder and CEO of <a href="https://variety.com/t/dolphin-entertainment/">Dolphin Entertainment,</a> offers a deep dive into the art and science of the creator economy. The leader of the parent company of PR heavyweights 42West and Shore Fire Media explains how the heat among social media personalities is changing everything about marketing and advertising, and how it has bulldozed traditional barriers to launching consumer products.

How the Creator Economy Has Changed Marketing and 'Democratized the Launch of Consumer Products'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/efa4da31-0d52-4400-9180-b3ff000c4dd1/transcript

On today’s episode, we’ll hear from Jon Brockett, executive producer and showrunner of Sunday’s Actor Awards. The kudocast veteran discusses producing a live event without strict time limit considerations for Netflix, showcasing host Kristen Bell, paying tribute to Harrison Ford’s long career and invoking vintage Hollywood glamour.

On today&rsquo;s episode, we&rsquo;ll hear from Jon Brockett, executive producer and showrunner of <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/awards/sag-actor-awards-2026-nominations-one-battle-after-another-1236623773/">Sunday&rsquo;s Actor Awards.</a> The kudocast veteran discusses producing a live event without strict time limit considerations for Netflix, showcasing host Kristen Bell, paying tribute to Harrison Ford&rsquo;s long career and invoking vintage Hollywood glamour.

Daily Variety -- 'We're a Sprint': Actor Awards EP Jon Brockett on Producing the Live Kudocast for Netflix

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3cd2501d-d89e-494f-adb3-b3fd013e20b5/transcript

Daily Variety -- It’s HBO: What Will the Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Mean for TV’s Premium Pioneer?

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